Oriental Cockroach

How to tell if I have cockroaches

• Cockroaches are nocturnal insects. They prefer to live and feed in the dark, so a cockroach seen during the day is a possible sign of infestation.
• Cockroaches tend to prefer dark, moist places to hide and breed and can be found behind refrigerators, sinks, and stoves, as well as under floor drains and inside of motors and major appliances. Because they can flatten their bodies to fit into narrow areas, cockroaches may also be found hiding beneath rubber mats, behind wallpaper, and within wall cracks.
• Cockroach feces will be visible during an infestation. Small roaches produce feces that resemble coffee grounds or black pepper, while larger roaches expel cylindrical droppings. The quantity of visible feces is often times a good indicator of the level or duration of infestation.
• Some species emit unpleasant smells. In the event of serious infestation, a strong oily or musty odor may be present. The bodies of dead cockroaches can also be found throughout the house. Oval-shaped egg cases, known as oothecae, are sometimes visible behind furniture and in other hidden locations, such as the spaces between books.
• As they favor hot and humid conditions, cockroaches are often found in kitchens, laundries, and food manufacturing plants. Their flattened shape allows them to penetrate into even the smallest cracks and crevices.
• German Cockroaches have pads on their feet which allow them to climb up shiny or polished surfaces, so they are often found above floor level. Oriental Cockroaches do not have these footpads so tend to be found at or near ground level; however, they are able to climb up external brickwork using the claws on their fee

Upon identifying an infestation, Contact Us and we will help with the next step in preparing a Cockroach eradication program.

• The first thing to do is establish the scale of the infestation, which can be done by carrying out a thorough inspection of the affected area, paying particular attention to inside kitchen units, under sinks, behind electrical goods, between tiles and floorboards etc.
• Customer to try get a sample for us to identify.
• An effective Cockroach control strategy must start with an inspection as it is actually illegal to treat a room for cockroaches if it does not have cockroaches but this fact covered by Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Act 2002, Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 and the Animals Act of 1916. Sadly some pest control companies ignore this guideline legislation in favor of monitory gain which is why visual inspection and confirmation is so essential in eradicating cockroaches.
• We only carry out a treatment when a confirmed infestation is present as this is the correct thing to do for many reasons, but the main one is cost savings. There is no point in paying to try and kill something that is not even present.
• Identifying the Cockroach species causing the problem.
• Education explaining the cockroaches life cycle and how their habits, habitat, and behavior affects the control plan.
• Explaining the use of growth regulators that will interfere with the cockroaches normal development into the adult stage.
• Treating affected areas by using safe and effective cockroach control products.
• Scheduling a follow-up visit.
• Avanti Pest Solutions can help prevent the return of cockroach infestations by providing an inspection service.
• We can assist with the maintenance of the property to inhibit future problems.
• To further aid in the eradication of cockroaches, we would advise that customers ensure that all foodstuffs are stored in sealed containers, floors and work surfaces are regularly cleaned and rubbish bins frequently emptied.

The two main species of cockroach in Britain are the Oriental cockroach which is dark brown in colour and about 30mm long and the German cockroach which is light yellowish brown, and about 12mm long.  Both species bodies are divided into three sections and have long antennae protruding from the head. Immature stages look just like the adults on a smaller scale.  There may be a distinctive odour due to the presence of Cockroach infestation.

Prevention

Preventing the return of roaches takes just as much work as getting rid of them in the first place. Fortunately, like any animal, however, roaches want to live in a place that’s food-filled and conducive to their nocturnal, small-space oriented lifestyle. The harder you make it for roaches to live in your house, the less likely they’ll be to return after you eliminate them from the area. Cockroaches may migrate to another area if food and water are not available in your home, but they may also just become more daring and resourceful in their quest to find sustenance.

• Keeping your home as clean as possible is definitely the first step toward keeping cockroaches out, but remember that it’s only the beginning.
• Sweep or vacuum often, especially after meals and under appliances or furniture.
• Seal all your food in plastic containers and keep it shut up in cabinets or the refrigerator.
• Monitor your cabinets for any sign that pests have gotten in.
• Keep a lid on your trash. And don’t forget that your pet’s food is attractive to roaches, too, so it may help to clean or remove your pet’s food bowl between feedings or at least at night. Absolutely any food-related item can be attractive to a cockroach, so there’s no such thing as being too careful when working to keep these bugs out of your house.

The kitchen and bathroom are the main trouble spots for roaches because they involve both food and water. Many cockroaches are attracted to living in damp spaces, and all varieties need water to survive—as noted, water is even more crucial than food to roach survival. Avoid leaving standing water out anywhere, whether in bathtubs, stopped-up sinks, or soaking dishes. If your apartment is particularly damp, consider investing in a dehumidifier or ask your landlord if anything can be done about the moisture. Since plumbing systems are damp, be sure your faucets and pipes don’t have leaks and spray or put traps under your sinks on a regular basis.